It’s 5:00 am and this by far is the toughest blog/facebook posting I’ve ever had to write. The day started off wonderfully as we went to the Disabled & Handicap School (that’s the name they call it here in Uganda) and the 113 children were their usual loving selves. We sang with them and received lots of hugs and kisses and many jumping in our arms, not letting go. We de-wormed them giving them sweets, cookies and each a stuff animal. This is always a highlight for many on the team, including myself.

After a trip to the pharmacy to big up another batch of medicines we were off to Pastor Henry’s little church to conduct our 2nd full medical clinic. The clinic ran very smoothly as we treated over 300 adults and children. All seemed to be running so efficiently without many hitches.

We then proceed to take our administrator, Sarah, back to the children’s home and spent a little more time with our 16 beautiful children at the home. On the way back from the children’s home, I received a phone call from Pastor Henry with the most devastating news. One of the young mother’s came to the medical clinic with malaria and brought her 7-month-old child who had a bad cough. Malaria medicine was prescribed by one of our local doctors (we have several doctors that volunteer with us at our clinics) to treat the women’s malaria and a liquid amoxicillin was prescribed for the baby. Our two nurses then describe into detail how to take the medicine (also written on each packet) through a translator. The women went home and grounded up FOUR malaria tablets and gave it to the young baby and the baby DIED within a short time! This by far has been the biggest pain and hurt that has happened within our ministry in our five years in Uganda. I have begun to ask God WHY? Why when we are trying to save lives is one so young taken so needlessly? My heart breaks terribly for this mother and family. The evening was extremely hard for me as I ached for this family. I’ve had my fellow Ugandans tell me that this is not uncommon here for mix ups for Ugandans, but that doesn’t lessen the pain of a mother loosing her child unfortunately at her own hands through not fully understanding. The team also is devastated and has fervently prayed for this situation that the family would be comforted and that satan would not have the final victory. I will admit that my faith has been shaken asking that big question WHY. It almost doesn’t feel right to say that God is still in control – which is what everyone is trying to tell me. I have been in my room since we heard the devastating crying out to God. I will say that I have felt the prayers of the many prayer warriors that are on this team and know that somehow we will get through this awful time.

Today, Friday, the team is going to the Nile and de-worming clinic at the church that my parent’s built in 1970. When going to bed last night – I made arrangements for my administrator, Sarah, to take the team along with the 16 children from the home. The team was in full agreement (sent by word from Ken) that I should go and let them be a hedge of love – surrounding me through this time. What a fabulous team God has given us – especially for this low time in our ministry. I will try my best today to go and not let satan will this battle. Please pray for the family of this little baby – especially the mother who also must be guilt ridden. I don’t know if they are believers – so pray that this would be a turning point in their lives and that they can be assured that they will see their little one again one day in heaven. Death of babies and children is not uncommon here in Africa, but that doesn’t lessen the pain to the families – they hurt just as we would hurt loosing a child. Pray also that others would have their faith strengthen through this tragedy.

Your continued prayer for the team and the many tasks that lie ahead are also GREATLY appreciated. We know without a doubt that there is a spiritual battle that is ragging for the souls of the people here in Uganda.

Another beautiful day in Uganda. I spent most of the meeting one on one with the teachers of our school New Creation Centre. Also had an opportunity to meet again with Liz Kasaka who was born here in Uganda, but traveled to the US many years ago and was teaching at Coast Christian School in Redondo Beach. Liz is a wonderful lady who felt God’s calling to come back to Uganda and minister to the needy here. Uganda is fortunate to have her. Her brother, Alan Kasaka, worship pastor of Hope Chapel Redondo Beach will be coming with a team of 19 – arriving on July 7 and their team may join forces with our 20 team members and conduct a massive medical clinic in the Namuwongo Slum area.











Little Bena had a great night last night – didn’t even wet the bed, which can be common for new children. She is so happy and the children love showing her the new routines of everything – i.e. inside shoes vs. outdoors shoes, washing up before meals, how to hold her fork and knife to eat British style. Bena wasn’t in the home 60 seconds and she was already put into the tub and lathered up with soap by the older girls, getting her squeaky clean. Then came the Vaseline for her skin and new clothes to put on. The children were so adorable as each wrote her a special letter and put it on her bed with a new doll and some toys. They were excited to read their letters to her – telling her how much they are happy she is with them and how they love her! Bena sleep with those letters under her pillow last night. Photo of Bena and her first night sleeping in a REAL bed. The 10 girls hovering around Bena – holding her new baby doll.

The first part of the team arrives Sunday morning (Saturday night – US time) and it will be great to have them here. The 2nd part of the team arrives Tuesday morning and then we will hit the ground running with LOTS of ministry.

It’s been really good for me to come early and get EVERYTHING ready for the team. I think it has helped greatly. May have to do this more often – although I love traveling to Uganda with the team.

Bye for now – will try to stay more current on my blogs now that I have an Internet hook up for my computer. YEAHHHHHHH.

I’ve been here in Uganda for over a week now and each day brings lots of work and ministry opportunities. One team member Stephanie came with me early before the rest of the team and she is such a blessing to everyone. The team will arrive July 4 & July 6 – coming in on different days because of the World Cup and the lack of seating on the planes. I am excited for the team to arrive and get started with all the work we have planned. They are a GREAT group of people from all walks of life and all ages.

So far since I’ve been here – we have been going non-stop except for Saturday – our day to re-group and do laundry and catch our breath. Both Stephanie and I are living at our children’s home – New Creation Family Home and the 15 children and staff of 6 are such a BLESSING. The children are so loving and friendly and shower both Stephanie and I will lots of love, massages, various hairstyles and lots of laughter.

We have been visiting the school each day getting to know the children better. Since we have so many in the school now – it’s hard to remember the names of the newest ones. The children at the school are busy getting ready for division competitions. They are preparing for soccer, volleyball and netball (girls basketball with no backboard and very small rim – amazing they can get the ball in the hoop – so small). They also are very busy preparing for the singing and dancing competition. At this cultural event, they have to sing a traditional (8 minute) song in traditional costumes and perform a traditional dance (8 minute) again in a different costume. Costumes are very big here! Did I hear someone say – MORE MONEY$$$$. Long songs and dances are also very popular. There is no such thing as a three or four minute song or dance!! They also will be performing a drama, reading or poem, and a couple other events. Competition is also a big thing here in Uganda. If they perform well, they go on to the national competition. Sherina, our housekeeper/teacher, of our tailoring class is sewing all 44 of the girl’s costumes – full length traditional Uganda dresses in 14 DAYS! They had to wait until I came so they could purchase the material. Fortunately we have purchased the boys costumes at not too much expensive. A BIG thank you to Ron & Becky Hubbard who raised money for the school to purchase needed items and part of their donation is covering all the items needed for competitions. I thank God for those who come alongside us through prayer support and financial support. Both Ken and I could not be doing this work in Uganda if it weren’t for our partners in the ministry.

We have found a 6 year old that is a double orphan living with an aunt who is very abusive of her. She is actually in our 1st grade class and has come to school many times with bruises and open wounds – put upon her by the aunt. The aunt even knocked her so hard that her two front teeth are partially gone. I prayed about asking our owner of our home if we could increase the number of our children to 18 (we currently have 15). When we started renting 3 years ago – he capped us at 8 children, then I asked for 4 more – he agreed reluctantly, then I asked for another 3 more, making 15. Each time he agreed given men the impression that this is it!! But when I asked for the increase to 18, he agreed without a hesitation – praise the Lord! So after talking with the aunt – we will be bringing BENA to our home Monday or Tuesday. She is the cutest little thing with the BIGGEST smiling always on her face. The fifteen children here at the home are anxious for their new little sister to arrive. The traditional bathing, cutting nails, putting on new clothes, etc. will be fun to watch and the children take over the welcoming of he newest member to our family.

I was able to walk and prayer over the land that we would LOVE to purchase. We know that if God wants us to have this property that HE will provide the $40,000 to purchase it. Everyone here tells me that property is skyrocketing at the rate of 50% per year. That is why even Maria at our guesthouse has purchased a piece of land for expand but at the interest rate of TWENTY (20%) PERCENT!!! And she is thrilled with her interest rate – some are as high as 30%! She figures she better get the land before it’s out of her reach in price even at 20% interest. I know God doesn’t want us to go into debt for HIS land, so we are praying and seeing what HE has planned for us. This land would be used to build cluster homes for our orphan children and many more that God sends our way. Our vision is to have a home that will house 8 children and a mama. These homes would be set in a village setting with a school and hopefully a medical clinic for the surround community. The land we are looking at is 8 ½ acres with a fabulous view at $5,000 per acre. When I tell everyone the price – they are amazed at the cost – they all feel the price should be at least TWICE the price if not more considering it’s not too far out from the city in a beautiful setting with a bonus of a spectacular view and right off a good road. Most land that is cheaper is way inland with no roads leading to the land and the owner would be responsible for creating the road that can be VERY expensive. Also, to clear the entire land of 8 acres would only be approximately $500 American dollars. Can you imagine?? We had inquired on a couple more pieces of land and the going rate was $70,000 PER ACRE!!!

Your prayers are greatly appreciated for where and what God would have us to do in our next step of this ministry.

It's been over 4 years since I last blogged. I am getting ready to leave for Uganda for another mission trip with some awesome folks from all over the United States, Canada and Australia. I thought I better update my blog so I can keep everyone posted on the happenings of the mission trip.